IRON ORE carriers are still loading and departing from the Pilbara in spite of persistent rumours of a pricing dispute between BHP and China.
BHP has not issued any official statement or investor update regarding the iron ore pricing dispute with China, with extensive media coverage based on a single report from Bloomberg which quoted an unnamed source.
While BHP is keeping quiet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have bought into the apparent dispute, calling it “disappointing” and “concerning,” but emphasised it’s a commercial matter.
Analysts believe China’s move—via its state-run buyer CMRG—is a negotiating tactic to push down long-term
According to recent shipping schedules and port data bulk carriers like Golden Surabaya, Pan Cosmos, and Ocean World have been actively loading and departing from Port Hedland.
No disruptions have been reported by Shipping Australia or the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre, which would typically see increased workload if vessels were being held up.
The Pilbara Ports Authority continues to publish regular shipping movements, confirming that iron ore is still being loaded and exported.
The rumored halt in BHP sales to China stems from unverified reports, and Chinese analysts like Mysteel have publicly denied any formal directive to stop purchases.